Within the classic Dragnet show and the movies that spun off from it Sgt. Joe Friday has become known for his famous business-like catch phrase, “Just the facts, ma’am.” Wise women heed Friday’s advice and keep their conversations to just the FACTS as Kenneth B. Wingate details in his book, A Father’s Gift – Lessons from Proverbs.
F is for few. In a nutshell, don’t talk too much! The age-old wisdom to zip your lip or “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” keeps our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking lies (Psalm 34:13). When words are many, sin is not absent, but he (she) who holds his (her) tongue is wise (Proverbs 10:19).
A is for apt. A man (woman) finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word (Proverbs 15:23). Timing is everything. Having the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it happens best when our mouths are closed and our ears are open to the Holy Spirit’s teaching.
C is for calm. Wise women speak calm words before the storm and in the storm. When the kids are crying over spilled milk, when you get cut off in traffic or chewed up at work, how do you respond? Instead of lashing out, anchor your tongue to God’s Word. Use controlled, peace-filled words that bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone (Proverbs 25:15).
T is for true. We live in a culture where truth is stretched for effect and exaggerated to make a point. We must guard our tongues from using words that manipulate and deceive. Wise women of integrity tell the truth and keep their word. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness (Proverbs 8:7).
S is for sweet. It’s not a syrupy sweet that butters people up to get what we want. It’s a sweetness that serves up heaping spoon-fulls of grace that is medicine to the hurting, hope for the fainthearted, and comfort for the soul. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Proverbs 16:24).
